The move temporarily solved New York's roster problem, but it failed to end the speculation regarding Rivers, a 33-year-old point guard who is trying to come back from reconstructive left knee surgery. It's unlikely that the Knicks will keep four point guards all season. They may still make a deal involving Rivers or another guard, or Rivers might be waived if his knee doesn't hold up. But being activated today was a pleasant surprise for Rivers, who wants to resume his career -- no matter where it leads him.

"I expected to be activated soon, but I didn't think it would be tonight," said Rivers, who did not play in the Knicks' 99-91 victory over the Bullets tonight. "I was lucky to bring my white shoes. I always bring the black shoes, but for whatever reason, I packed the white ones."

Asked if he had any idea whether he would be traded, kept or waived, Rivers said, "None. One day I think I'll be here, the next day I don't. Right now, I'm clueless. But my knee is fine. My lungs are my major concern. If we have too many fast breaks, I could be in trouble."

He didn't expect to see much action for several weeks, particularly with Greg Anthony playing well as the backup point guard to Derek Harper.

Rivers had been practicing for a week, and before that, he worked with a personal trainer to strengthen both his knee and an ankle that he sprained during training camp. Opponents will certainly test Rivers to find out if he has lost any quickness, but Rivers sounded confident.

"Physically, I'll be fine," said Rivers. "The more I play, the better. Unfortunately, I don't see myself playing a whole bunch right away. But I'm willing to work for it."

Both Grandison (tendinitis, left knee) and Ward (sprained right wrist) must remain on the injured list for at least five games. By that time, the Knicks may have decided on Rivers's future.

Bonner, who also did not play tonight, has made a speedy recovery from arthroscopic right knee surgery on Nov. 3. Bonner was expected to be out for six weeks, but he was back in action in less than four.

"I don't think the injury was as serious as everybody perceived it to be," said Bonner, a 6-foot-7-inch forward who is one of New York's best defenders. "It was sore the first couple of days, but I worked hard to get back. Some of the things I do well, we could have used during the last two or three weeks, so I'm glad to be back. Right now, I feel like I'm 100 percent."